BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara men's basketball team ended its three-game skid by defeating Cal State Bakersfield Thursday night. Four Gauchos scored in double figures, with Colin Smith leading the way with 16 points.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The final regular season meeting between the Gauchos and Roadrunners started slow start, with the two sides combining for just eight points through the first four-plus minutes of play.  The Gauchos led 6-2, with all six points coming from former Roadrunner Marvin McGhee IV.
 
The Gauchos' defense was strong throughout the opening half, holding 'Runners to just 11 points halfway through the period.  The Gauchos were able to grow their lead after finding offensive rhythm and coming up with stops on defense to 20-11 following a Hosana Kitenge three-point play.
 
As the half progressed, the Gauchos hung on to their nine-point lead as the two sides traded their possessions. Cal State Bakersfield started to gain a little momentum late in the half, but after a short 4-0 run, Miro Little ended it with a three-pointer for the Gauchos. UC Santa Barbara stopped every run the Roadrunners looked to go on. The second time Zion Sensely ended the run with a corner three-pointer, helping the Gauchos maintain their edge into halftime. UCSB went into the break up 38-29.
 
The second half started with the Gauchos opening on an 8-2 run to build their lead up to double digits. For the first part of the second half the Roadrunners were fouling the Gauchos heavily, but UC Santa Barbara knocked down its free throws.
 
During the middle part of the second half, Cal State Bakersfield began a 16-5 run that pulled them within four points of the Gaucho with 2:10 remaining. Down the stretch, the Gauchos hit free throws and knocked down shots to pull out a 75-69 win.
 
NOTABLES

• The win over Cal State Bakersfield is the Gauchos 14^th consecutive win over the Roadrunners.
• Colin Smith was a combined 8-8 from the free-throw line and from beyond the arc. He missed just two shots all night.
• The Gauchos recorded a season-high six blocks. Evans Kipruto contributed three to the total, a career-high for the grad student.

 
UP NEXT
The Gauchos return home on Saturday, Jan. 17, to host Hawai'i at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.